Childcare’s evolution: Inside the education shift reshaping Australia’s $15 billion early learning sector

• Australia’s early learning sector now supports 1.44 million children and over $12 billion in annual government funding
• ASX-listed providers are under growing pressure to improve quality and deliver better educational outcomes
• With rising labour costs, regulatory scrutiny and competition for families, all eyes are on quality

Special Report: Our early learning sector is booming, with surging childcare enrolments, growing investor interest, and a new wave of education-first programs.

More than 1.44 million children are enrolled in approved care in Australia, including 460,000 in New South Wales.

The sector is supported by more than $12 billion in annual federal funding, and investors continue to see childcare as a steady, defensive asset class.

But growth is only part of the story and expectations are shifting.

Parents, educators and policymakers are now focused on what children actually learn before they reach school. The pressure is on providers to deliver not just occupancy, but outcomes.

Listed players respond to rising pressure

The big end of town is adjusting. The sector is attracting attention from major listed players including G8 Education (ASX:GEM), Mayfield Childcare (ASX:MFD), Nido Education (ASX:NDO), Embark Education Group (ASX:EVO), and infrastructure-focused REITs such as Arena REIT (ASX:ARF) and Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX:CQE).

All are adapting to increased demand for quality and innovation in early learning.

With rising labour costs, regulatory scrutiny and competition for families, all eyes are on quality.

A fresh approach from outside the mainstream

One company taking a different approach is Ranger Jamie Tours, a NSW-based provider best known for its hands-on school excursions.

Since 2015, the company has delivered more than 600,000 curriculum-aligned programs for primary and secondary students.

Now it is entering the early learning market with a dedicated preschool offering – its new Early Learning Division delivers 60-minute, play-based incursions to children aged 2 to 5.

Ranger Jamie Early Learning programs are designed to align with the Early Years Learning Framework and cover topics including science, sustainability and Indigenous perspectives.

Proof of concept has already been embraced. Over 100 early learning centres have been part of the pilot program with high satisfaction ratings across all programs, with 100% of participants saying they’ll rebook a Ranger Jamie Early Learning program in the coming 12 months.

Across all age groups this year, Ranger Jamie is set to deliver 2,300 programs, educating more than 200,000 students nationally.

“We’ve seen the power of experiential learning in schools,” CEO and founder Jamie Simpson said.

“Now we’re using that same model to help preschoolers get excited about learning through real-world play.”

Led by experienced hands

The company’s chairman, Ant Ritter, brings listed company experience as the former CEO and Executive Director of Experience Co (ASX:EXP).

“Families and educators want more than basic care. They want engaging, curriculum-based learning delivered by professionals,” Ritter said.

“This model is scalable, supportive and aligns with what centres are already doing. It’s about making early learning stronger without adding pressure to the system.”

Ritter says Ranger Jamie’s programs give centres access to high-quality content while easing the load on educators.

“Our vision is to become the most relevant and respected excursion and incursion company in Australia for children aged 2 to 16.”

Why this matters now

The science is clear. Children who attend strong early learning programs are significantly more likely to be developmentally ready when they start school.

Research from the AEDC shows a 40 per cent improvement in school readiness when children have access to quality early education. More than 90 per cent of brain development happens before age five.

That puts pressure on the sector to deliver more than just coverage. It demands content, consistency and strong outcomes.

Ranger Jamie’s expansion into early learning is just one example of how the sector is changing. But it is a timely one. With demand rising and expectations growing, the early learning market is being redefined not just by how many places are available, but by what those places actually provide.

This article was developed in collaboration with Ranger Jamie Tours, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.